Developing Mutually Beneficial Club School Links

In this Section

Links

A club school link is an agreement between a school and a club to work together to develop the very best level of quality and opportunity for young people to play hockey within their local area. By stimulating interest in the sport through good experiences at school, and then providing a seamless pathway for the participation to continue and develop further within a local club, we aim to ensure that young people can get the very most out of hockey and begin a lifelong involvement in the game.

Club school links can work in a number of ways but always tend to be characterised by the following:• Effective communications - club and school in regular contact i.e. between at least one designated person from both the school and club.• Structured activity - opportunities for young people from the school to participate e.g. coaching sessions, competitions, leadership opportunities at events etc. This can either be in a community and/or school setting.• Participation - young people participating in club sport, either as an athlete/player or leader, as a result of the link.

How could your school benefit from a link with a local hockey club? • Increased opportunities for your pupils • Raise the schools profile in the community • Share facilities and equipment • Access expert coaches delivering in school to work with teachers • Deliver Out of School Hours Club • Healthier & more physically active pupils – improving standards across the school • Increase awareness of exit routes for players, coaches and volunteers • Access CPD for teachers – training courses & more ideas by working with quality clubs and coaches

To assist with the development of an effective link England Hockey provides each club involved, and the local schools that they identify to work with, with a support package to help generate or further develop the delivery of appropriate hockey activity within the school and club setting.

To find out about hockey clubs in your area please see our Play Hockey website. The Junior Coordinator at a club is usually the main contact regarding club school links, and your local EH Relationship Manager will also be able to help.